drinking water and groundwater study group meeting...2020/08/05 · covid-19 dnr updates 1. our...
TRANSCRIPT
DNR – Drinking Water and Groundwater Study Group
Meeting
April 28, 2020Zoom Meeting Recording Link
https://zoom.us/rec/share/3MhVF7Gqr1pJYoH28muYa4lwH5b3X6a81XAX-qdfz0on9NY0obJqIlyuwWiK3-7T?startTime=1588084406000
COVID-19 DNR Updates1. Our Highest Priority Remains Public
Health and Safety and the Provision of Safe Drinking Water
2. Partnering and Communicating With You Is Important To Us
COVID-19 DNR Updates
3. We understand you are facing issues related to COVID-19
• We are committed to working through these issues with you
• We will offer flexibility where we can
• We can’t offer flexibility that would put public health and safety at risk or the provision of safe drinking water
DNR Operations / Communication• All staff are working remotely
• All routine field work has been put on hold
• Electronic transfer of information
• Stakeholder ZOOM calls
• DNR Drinking Water COVID-19 Website
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/PWSCOVID19.html
Monitoring and Compliance
EPA Compliance Memo
• Public Water Systems have a heightened responsibility to protect public health and safety
• Public Water Systems, drinking water testing laboratories, and manufacturers supplying drinking water systems are essential functions, businesses, and workers
Monitoring Requirements
• Monitoring and Reporting Violations– DNR cannot waive M/R violations triggered in
relation to COVID-19 issues or public noticing requirements
• Monitoring Site Flexibility– Contact DNR Representative to address
accessibility issues
Other Compliance Questions
• Requirements from past sanitary surveys
– If COVID-19 circumstances will hinder compliance with established deadlines:
• Contact DNR representative to discuss potential alternative compliance pathways
– Public health and safety along with the provision of safe drinking water is our highest priority
Other Compliance Questions
• Lead and Copper Monitoring Sites
– Further onsite materials inventory (premise plumbing, treatment, etc.) to determine Tier criteria is not being required at this time
– Continue to review available records for public and private service line material
– Provide available information to field staff
Operations/Operator Certification
• Operator Certification– Governor Evers has suspended ch. NR114,
Wis. Adm. Code, requirements for renewal and continuing education deadlines for the duration of the public health emergency
– WI Rural Water staff are available to provide remote technical assistance and maintaining a list of certified operators available for mutual aid
Operations/Operator Certification
• Operator Certification Exam Status– May 6, 2020 exams have been cancelled
• Credit will be issued to applications that have been processed and non-processed checks will be returned
– August 5, 2020 exams will be held statewide in 6 locations
• You will need to reapply for exam period and location
• Applications will be available on the Wisconsin DNR website starting May 27, 2020
PWS Operations• Chemical Supplies
– Acceptable to have more than 30 day supply on hand
– Storage, handling, and labeling code requirements continue to apply
• Construction Projects– Follow the Governor’s “Safer At Home” order– Evaluate the imminent need- can the project
be delayed 6 months?– Consider the risk of water disruption to
consumers
PWS Operations
• Emergency Operation Plans– Add pandemic related documents/protocols
– Have appropriately certified backup operators identified in the event personnel become sick
– Have contingencies in place in the event any water system staff fall ill
– Update emergency contact lists
Contact Us
• Ways to contact us with compliance or any other questions:1. Contact your DNR Representative2. DNR COVID-19 Environmental Compliance
Assistance Process website. (see next slide)3. DNR Drinking Water COVID-19 [email protected]
Member Roundtable
Scott Laeser, Clean WisconsinChris Groh, Wisconsin Rural Water AssociationDavid Webb, Wisconsin State Laboratory of HygieneDavid Kelter, American Water Works Association (AWWA) - Wisconsin ChapterLawrie Kobza, Municipal Environmental GroupLane Ruhland, Wisconsin Manufacturers and CommercePaul Junio, Northern Lake ServiceJeff Kramer, Wisconsin Water Well AssociationRoy Irving, Department of Health ServicesRick Wietersen, Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards
NR 812 Updates
Liesa Lehmann – Private Water Supply Section Chief
• Revising Wisconsin’s well and pump code• Process is almost done…• All approval steps completed• Not in effect yet, but soon!• July 1, 2020 expected effective date
NR 812 Revisions
NR 812 Rulemaking Scope
1. Correct and clarify2. Streamline procedures3. Update construction
standards4. Be consistent with state and
federal laws
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…while maintaining protection of groundwater and public health.
Recap of 2019: Public Hearings/Comment January 2019 Nat. Resources Board approved May 2019Worked with WWWA summer/fall 2019 to
address 3 areas of concerns: Casing depth in limestone/dolomite Flowing wells Thermoplastic casing in bedrock
NR 812 Revisions
2020 NR Board approved modified revisions
January 2020 Legislative Review completed April 2020 July 1, 2020 = estimated Effective Date Training Communication Implementation
NR 812 Revisions
Training DNR staff Other agencies – DATCP, Counties Drillers and pump installers
Communication - “early and often” Summary of ChangesWeekly Emails – Topic of the Week
NR 812 Revisions
Implementation Training – in-person, online modules Fact sheets – topic-based information
about code requirements Publications and Forms Personal Contacts
NR 812 Revisions
NR 812 Revisions
For more information…
• NR 812 Rule Changes web pagehttp://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wells/nr812.html
• Contact DNR Private Water Supply staff
NR 140 & NR 809 Update
Steve Elmore – DG Program Director
Wrap–up and adjourn
Next Meeting Date:August 13, 2020
GEF 2, State Natural Resources Building,Madison, 9:30a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Meeting minutes will be posted on theDrinking Water & Groundwater Study Group
website